Initiatives of the PCD

Hopes, dreams, inspirations - the PCD originated with the idea of having and preserving a great and beautiful community for future generations to enjoy. We help take the steps to achieve these dreams. Organization and planning are only the beginning steps. Project implementation and concrete results are now visible in and around Hamilton. Each PCD project has a specific focus, yet the changes they hope to achieve are an overall complement to the Town and Village of Hamilton and surrounding area.

Micro-Assistance Program
The PCD was awarded a grant from the Madison County Industrial Development Agency to assist existing small businesses. The PCD will subsequently award these funds (by way of small grants) to businesses that could use seed money for projects that are beyond the established risk or scope of traditional lenders. These grants will range from $750 - $4,500.

Five-Way Intersection Study
The PCD is undertaking a comprehensive study of Hamilton’s five-way intersection. As this target area is the hub of the community, the PCD has enlisted a task force and consultant to investigate opportunities that may exist in vehicular traffic flow, pedestrian safety and aesthetics; as well as parking and signage. It is the hope that improvements will spur greater economic vitality in the village.

Community Development Block Grant
The PCD was awarded a $400,000 grant from the New York State Housing Trust to improve the housing stock in the Hamlet of Hubbardsville. This grant will not only improve the buildings, but will also improve the quality of life for those low-to-moderate income families that will be served by this grant.

Greater Hamilton Economic Development Plan (GHEDP)
The GHEDP effort was begun in January 2005 when the three founding partners of the Partnership for Community Development (PCD) - the Town of Hamilton, Village of Hamilton, and Colgate University and the PCD Board of Directors agreed upon a new strategic plan for the organization. The top priority selected was to develop an economic development plan for the Greater Hamilton area.
After a process stretching over two years and one characterized by extensive public participation, the Greater Hamilton Economic Development Plan (GHEDP) was finalized. This economic roadmap sets out the priority initiatives for the greater Hamilton area for the foreseeable future. These priority items include infrastructure enhancements, business retention & expansion, agricultural value-added projects, area marketing & branding, the continued development of the Mid York Airpark and other important items. Potential funding sources were identified through the process and actions are well underway to set the stage for a coordinated and collaborative approach in realizing incremental, steady progress toward these Economic Development Goals and Initiatives. Lead and responsible entities for all initiatives were identified and in each case the PCD is an integral force in working toward the stated goal, keeping the initiatives fresh in the public view, and in monitoring and ultimately reporting successes and continuing challenges.
The entire process, completed with a high level of public involvement and a diversity of perspectives, ultimately resulted in The Greater Hamilton Economic Development Plan (GHEDP)... a shared vision of the future! Please click on this link GHEDP to review the plan in its entirety.

Earlville Main Street Improvement Program
Facade and renovation improvements continued within the Village of Earlville in 2007. These improvements were made possible through a $200,000 New York Main Street grant, secured by the PCD in 2006 on behalf of the Village of Earlville, from the NYS Department of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR). The streetscape component of the grant enabled the Village of Earlville to address needs in the park area, adjacent to the library, on the corner of North Main Street and Route 12B. Grant funding, on a non-matching basis, allowed for the purchase and installation of a gazebo, new park benches, new trash cans, and banners for each season. Funding for facade and building renovations varies based on the scope of each project, but generally 50% is reimbursable under the grant and 50% is funded by the building owner, although additional owner contributions may be required on larger scale projects. Several projects have already been completed, while others are continuing to progress with completion of all projects scheduled by August 31, 2008, the grant deadline. Renovations including painting, masonry repointing, new windows, gutters, signage, exterior lights, and roof work are providing amazing changes to the face of downtown Earlville. There has been an overwhelming positive response from the community to all the upgrades that have taken place. Earlville building owners and the municipal leadership are taking bold and forward thinking moves to add considerably to the attractiveness of their lovely hamlet. The PCD is proud to be a partner in this effort.

Facade Improvement Program
This PCD program supported by funding from Colgate University provided for a 50% grant and a 40% no interest six year loan to participating Hamilton building owners who wish to improve the appearance of their buildings, including design, construction management and construction costs. An important aspect of the facade program is the maintenance of the individual historic features of each building. Over a dozen facades were completed through this program while the potential for additional projects exists through the reimbursement of the revolving loan fund.

Green
An effort to revitalize the well-used and increasingly time-worn park was born in 2000. Community meetings gathered ideas about the key elements for a new restored park. Through a grant proposal written by the PCD the Village of Hamilton was awarded a $100,000 matching grant from the NYS Department of Parks and Recreation. The PCD was also enlisted to manage the entire fundraising effort in support of this project which was completed in 2002. Fountains and a new performance venue pavilion, in memory of Ian Porter Hale, were made possible by gifts from a variety of sources including Colgate, Colgate Class of 2000, and many individuals and friends.

Life's Work
This initiative designed to foster business growth and stability in the area provided one-on-one technical assistance, specialized consultants and workshops to a variety of small businesses and entrepeneurs in the PCD service area. Since its inception in the year 2000, the Life's Work program has provided direct services to over 40 businesses and has sponsored many workshops including the popular "Business Building Series". A variety of funding sources supported this program, including USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant, John Ben Snow Foundation, CNY Community Foundation and the Hinman Foundation.

Streetscape Project
Streetscape improvements on the corner of 12B and Lebanon Street funded through the John Martin Foundation and a New York Main Street Grant through the Village of Hamilton, included design and creation of an inviting public plaza with historic lights, period benches, ornamental pear trees, trash receptacles and a community kiosk. Installation of a traffic preemption system at the intersection of Route 12B and Lebanon Street, as well as, on eight fire/emergency vehicles completed this project in 2005.